After Middle East trip, Yarmuth says Egypt holds promise, Israel has right to defend against Syrians

After returning from a trip from the Middle East, Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth says Egypt holds promise as a stable democracy in the region.

Yarmuth, who went on the trip thanks to Jewish advocacy group J Street, visited Israel in addition to the trip to Egypt. J Street isn’t well-liked by Israel’s current leadership, because J Street supports a two-state solution of creating a Palestinian state in addition to Israel.

In fact, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down the congressional delegation’s request for a meeting, as first reported by Louisville radio station WFPL.

Yarmuth also said he believes Israel has a right to defend its border by protesting Syrians trying to cross the borders, but believes Israel should find a less forceful way than military force.

And the U.S. should still support Egypt as much as possible as it transitions into a democracy, he said.